Quote:Hi Guys, I hear every one Talk about Kurtz. I tried his method few years ago. It did something, but not all the way. I am greatfull for that. I just want to say that my cousin passed on a book to me in January. The method is called elasticsteel. It's a small and inexpensive book. How ever the stuff this guy Paul teaches in there is hot. I had my front split for a while and got my side split a week ago. If any one wants to try his ElastiSteel method. go to ElastiSteel.com it did it for me. Peace.

I smell spam.

This is my thread, about my progress, and not about some new lame method. Kurz's methods are based on science, that's why everyone talks about it.

If it didn't work for you, then you didn't do it right

Mike thought you would be interested in this. Tom Kurz replied to an email I sent him regarding Power High Kicks. I dont know if you have ever seen this video but the guy on it Mac has great kicking flexiblity. According to Kurz, howevewr, he can only do a front split when really warmed up and he cant get close on a side split. Just goes to show dynamic flexilbity is king for kicking.

Well, I cornered my head instructor in his office after class tonight and questioned him as to why we don't do dynamic stretching in class (yet I saw him doing it prior to a black belt class)

He stated right off the bat, to my surprise:

"There's a lot of things we do in our warmup that we really shouldn't"

!!!! He stated that Grandmaster Lee had developed the warmup when he trained the Korean military in the 60's and 70's, and at that time, it was "current" as far as fitness knowledge. And, for young, healthy fit soldiers doing it everyday, it worked.

"...but for the average adult coming to class twice, three times a week, it's not that good"

But as to why we do the same one today?

Mr Lee hasn't changed it (the warmup) since then, and I doubt anything will change while he's around"

He also seemed surprised about the dynamic stretching-----he has been doing it himself, yet didn't know the exact science behind dynamic versus static. Interesting. I left it at that.

So there you have it. Being a martial artist and firefighter, I certainly can respect tradition. But, tradition isn't always effective and doesn't always make sense.

_________________________"You do not truly know someone until you fight them."
- Seraph, The Matrix Reloaded

I'm in TKD also, and we only do dynamic stretches before class. You really should ask your head instructor about the stretches. If your instructor is defensive about this topic, then maybe you need a new instructor. (My first instructor was this way, afraid to inform about "secret" tricks that can make you a better martial artist. Fellow students and I now know that he was afraid of teaching someone to be better than himself. But that is a whole 'nother story.)

KUTGW

_________________________
There are two sides to every story, choose your side.
Annon

....anyways, summer hours are gearing down, and I've enjoyed the summer a bit too much Slacking off from class, and comsuming too many <ahem> cold summer beverages.

I purchased a Century Wave Master, and set it up at one of the firehalls near my house; this will give me access to a bag 24/7 at my convenience. I'd like to bring my left kicks up to speed.

Although this thread is on flexibility, it's really no longer an issue....even over the summer, while MAYBE doing dynamic stretching once a week, I had no "regression" of flexibility. After one set of dynamic leg swings, head high kicks are not a prob at all.

Mr Kurz sure as hell knows what he's talking about.

Static flexibility? Pffft. Who needs it?

Actually, I will make more of an effort in that department. By the time I reach black belt (currently blue) I'd like to be able to do a full split....for no reason other than my own personal goal.

There's more than a few black belts than can't do the splits, yet could probably take my head clean off with a roundhouse kick.

Like always, I will post my progress, flexibility and otherwise.

_________________________"You do not truly know someone until you fight them."
- Seraph, The Matrix Reloaded

Good to see more from you Mike. Due to injuries I haven't been doing much dynamic stretching except for the beginning of class but I too have not seen much regression. Kurtz's book was a good tool ... which I thank you again for sending to me.

Take care and enjoy your summer and look forward to hearing more of your progress.

I just bought the book. I did find it useful, but I think some of the reading was above my head. Is it necessary to read the book cover to cover? Any thoughts on utitlizing the book? I mean, do I really need to know all the muscles and joints of the body? Thanks...

Good to hear from you, too, Dereck. I drop by the forums daily, I just don't post a whole lot.

Sorry to hear about your injury, but glad to see you haven't had any regression; it constantly amazes me that I haven't become more inflexible. I don't want to push it past once-a-week workouts, though

_________________________"You do not truly know someone until you fight them."
- Seraph, The Matrix Reloaded

Hya love! I admire your determination to get super flexible with Kurtz help. I think it is possible you need to re-hydrate your body. Creatine is pants I've heard from some members in that it just sends more H20 to the muscles to bulk them up - from my experience, I have had one or two pulled hamstrings due to bad falls in - figure skating!!!! It can take upto 6 weeks to heal with rest! (Just on that hamstring) This won't undermine your stretching and progress, just work on your other muscles and joints and stretch that hamstring but no more as soon as you feel twinge. It may be shockingly stiff but it will heal with TLC and time. Keep the hip joint moving and carry on training be very careful kicking if you have to do that. Fustrating isn't it. You will get what you want. Sometimes I have ultra bendy days and others not. I wonder if hormones and substances in our blood has anything to do with it. I don't know but I have a feeling they must have a part to play - as well as our natural bio-rythms. I will keep looking at your updates, it's really exciting and a good idea. Good luck! xxx